Best Places to Visit in Virginia
Sometimes you just want to get out and explore. We try to strike a good balance of places that you will really enjoy. Finding ideas for family friendly outings, or interesting places to go in Virginia with your friends, both are at your fingertips here with America Top 10. We aim to give you plenty of ideas without you having to do all the research. That way you can easily decide if you want to explore Virginia sites or check out the sites in another state.
You have also heard how it is becoming a lot more popular to have staycations (where you stay home instead of going to far off places) and discover new and interesting places in the near vicinity. We try to make that easier for you. Check out the sites in Virginia that have become local favorites easily with our site.
We hope that we have provided you plenty of choices in Virginia whether this is a new area for you or your own back yard. Something a little different from the typical amusement park. If you really loved somewhere but don’t see them on our list let us know, we are always looking to improve our lists and we can only do that with your help.
The American Civil War Center
Richmond, VA
The American Civil War Center is widely recognized for being the country’s first museum to interpret the Civil War from Union, Confederate, and African American perspectives. The historic landmark also contains five surviving buildings illustrating the Iron Works era.
Ocean Dunes Waterpark
Arlington, VA
Make it a beach day, with waterslides, at the beach-themed Ocean Dunes Waterpark in Arlington’s Upton Hill Regional Park. Find excitement on the 230-foot open slide, or 170-foot covered waterslide, or set the kids free in the play area to splash, slide and play in the water jets. Their 500-gallon dumping bucket is a favorite hangout during the hottest days of the year. Sliding is hard work! Take a break under the shade umbrellas and order a meal at the snack shack.
Frontier Culture Museum
STAUNTON, VA
Frontier Culture Museum aims to tell the story of the first pioneers who came to America during the 1600s and 1700s. The Museum has also reproduced examples of traditional rural buildings from England, Germany, Ireland, and West Africa as well.
Carter Mountain Orchard
Charlottesville, VA
Carter Mountain Orchard is open from April through November and hosts a variety of activities such as their annual Easter Egg Hunt, apple blossom time, and Spring Fling. Carter Mountain Orchard is also known for its contributions in Virginia’s nationally-acclaimed wine scene.
Children’s Museum of Richmond
Richmond, VA
Children’s Museum of Richmond is a not-for-profit organization that aims to create innovative learning experiences for all children. The museum also currently features exhibits that are known to be hands-on and result to learning concepts from the Virginia’s Standards of Learning.
McCormick Observatory
Charlottesville, VA
Leander McCormick Observatory is open on the first and third Friday nights of every month (except holidays) year round. Visitors can view celestial objects through the historic 26-inch McCormick Refractor and other smaller telescopes (weather permitting), tour the Observatory, hear a presentation by an astronomer, and see the exhibits.
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
Virginia Beach, VA
The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art is a non-profit institution which exists to foster awareness, exploration, and understanding of the significant art of our time. Through excellence and diversity in our changing exhibitions and educational programming, MOCA stimulates critical thinking and dialogue throughout the Hampton Roads community.
Riverview Park
Charlottesville, VA
Riverview Park is located at the end of Chesapeake Street at the eastern city limits and consists of 26.6 acres bordering the river. With a large paved parking area, kiosk, playground, benches and an open field, this park is ideal for picnickers and families. The adjacent Rivanna Trail provides opportunities for walking, jogging, bicycling, fishing or simply observing wildlife.
Norfolk Botanical Garden
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk Botanical Garden is nationally recognized for its deep-rooted history and celebrated for its blooms in every season. The 175 acre garden is home to 53 distinctive themed gardens, including the World of Wonders, A Children’s Adventure Garden, a 3-acre garden where kids explore the connections between plants, international culture and the environment, all while having fun. They also have 95 species of birds and 40 kinds of butterflies. Their latest garden is the O’Connor Grain & Hop Garden.
